I think a lot of graphic/web designers strive for good design. But what is good design? To me it means something that is sleek, functional, and lightweight. If it’s a website, it should load just the same in IE6 to FF3. This can be a challenge but with the right skillset it’s totally achievable.
If it’s graphic design, I think it should be just as meaningful to the average consumer all the way up to the corporate executive. Good design applies to everything if you think about it. This blog, your car, the computer you own, the coffee shop you frequent, design is everywhere. Good and bad. As an editor, I strive for a good workflow and a polished product at the end. This means I don’t cut corners, I don’t take shortcuts, and with this day and age I can edit anywhere. That freedom alone is worth a lot to me.
So what is good design? You could say it’s in the eye of the beholder. What I consider good design, someone might consider crap. So in some ways it is subjective. I think the more something is adopted and simulated into culture speaks to good design. But in the end, it’s whatever you make of it.